Voting Information

Polling places are not utilized in Oregon's elections. However, the county clerk's office is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Oregon has a vote by mail process. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast ballots on Election Day, a ballot is mailed to each registered voter. The ballot is then voted and returned to the county election office to be counted.

In Oregon, ballots will be mailed any time between 14 to 18 days before the election. After it is voted, the ballot may be mailed or hand-delivered to the county election office. In order to be counted, the ballot must be received by the county election office or designated drop site no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day. Postmarks do not count. If you are a registered voter, your ballot will be automatically sent to you.

You can call 1-866-ORE-VOTES or contact your county election office to make sure your vote was received.You will need to sign the return envelope of your ballot. Your signature will be matched with your voter registration card to verify your identity.

If it is determined by the county elections official that a person does not receive daily mail service from USPS, the ballot is mailed 18 to 20 days before the election. Out of state voters that are not long term absentee voters have their ballots mailed no sooner than the 29th day before the election. Long term and military absentee ballots (including all out of country ballots) are mailed 45 days before the election.

Absentee Voting

You may apply for absentee voter status if you live out of state or if you know that you will be absent for the election (i.e., you will be out of town prior to the election and are putting your mail on hold.) Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. To apply for absentee voter status: obtain an absentee ballot request form from your county elections office or the secretary of state's office, fill out the form, and return it to your county elections office in person, via US mail or fax.

If you prefer, your absentee ballot request can remain valid for all future elections until you notify your county elections official otherwise or you move out of the county. Please specify this preference on the request form.

To be a long term absentee voter, you must be a resident of Oregon who is absent from your place of residence. Possible long term absentee voters could include a person temporarily living outside of the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia or a spouse of a long term absentee voter.
Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation.

Source: Oregon Secretary of State Office